I'm tryna build a Merc that can survive trav runs

Currently using A5 Merc with
Dreadfang
Vampire gaze
Treachery

I'm a HC Singer barb. On xbox

My merc survived maybe 30% of runs. I know a5 isn't ideal but the a2 merc doesn't fair any better with insight or obedience.

What's the best budget option for a trav run merc?

it puts the steelshade in the helm slot or it gets the hose again

I was reading about that. Would a gladiators bane work as well / with it or is the treachery best?

Also is this dependent on fade being active?

With 75 resist a steelshade can negate 88 damage per hit. With 90% resist on a guardian angel setup it negates 220 per hit. A gladiators bane will negate 20 per hit

Appreciate your help

Guardian angel and Kiras is a decent budget option

I'd love to try that out of o could get my hands on them.

Eth Gloom armor is nice on merc. Crown of Thieves helm

You are lacking res and I doubt your fade hardly ever procs before he dies

This post was edited by BdizzleD2 on Mar 26 2026 11:30pm

Mines got a eth dreadfang with a protector jewel, e arreats with a Cham and eth sacred armor fort. He doesn’t usually die in general even in p8 tz